three Vermont state troopers below federal investigation for developing false COVID-19 vaccination playing cards

On vicinity: September 7, 2021

SHARE

SHARE

TWEET

SHARE

e mail

click on to extend

UP subsequent

Three Vermont state troopers are below federal investigation for his or her alleged involvement in a pretend COVID-19 vaccination card scheme, the Vermont State Police talked about in an announcement Tuesday.

The guys, who were recognized as Shawn Sommers, Raymond Witkowski and David Pfindel, are suspected of getting varying roles in the advent of the fraudulent playing cards.

Sommers and Witkowski resigned their posts on Aug. 10, someday after one other trooper raised concerns with supervisors about their behavior, police referred to. Pfindel resigned on Sept. three, following an investigation with the aid of the department of Public security.

extra: Feds warn of alarming upward thrust in reports of fake vaccine cards bought and used

"The accusations in this case contain an staggering stage of misconduct — a criminal violation of the legislation — and i couldn't be greater upset and upset," Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police, spoke of. "If these allegations are proved to be real, it is reprehensible that state troopers would manipulate vaccination playing cards in the midst of a deadly disease, when being vaccinated is among the most crucial steps any person can take to retain their community safe from COVID-19."

© Paul Ratje/Reuters FILE Vaccination cards are pictured at a rural coronavirus sickness (COVID-19) vaccination site in Columbus, New Mexico, U.S., April sixteen, 2021. REUTERS/Paul Ratje/File photograph

As quickly as state police supervisors found out about the former troopers' alleged actions, they talked about they instantly mentioned the allegations to federal law enforcement.

"i am embarrassed that this condition has happened and know that it has tarnished the acceptance of the Vermont State Police," Birmingham persevered. "That said, the alleged criminal habits from these troopers does not characterize the values and moves of the dedicated men and girls of the Vermont State Police."

In August, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott introduced that some state personnel who work with inclined americans would be required to get vaccinated, however it is unclear if the State Police are in that category.

more: VT state troopers accused in false vaccine card scheme resign

The state police have referred the be counted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. attorney's office in Burlington. An investigation by the FBI is underway, and due to this fact, police were unable to unencumber counsel about the incident in advance of Tuesday's commentary.

"Sommers and Witkowski each joined the Vermont State Police in July 2016 and have been assigned to field stations following their graduation from the Vermont Police Academy in January 2017," police referred to in their observation. "Pfindel changed into employed in January 2014 and assigned to the St. Albans Barracks. He transferred to Shaftsbury in February 2016, became a detective trooper with the Bureau of criminal Investigations in July 2016, and again to work as a street trooper in April 2020."

© Paul Ratje/Reuters